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In Conversation with Mark Smith

April 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

$11.78

Humffray Room

Three Boys Gone

Mark Smith.

Complex and Compelling in all the right ways - Jane Harper...

Mark Smith presents the ultimate moral dilemma in a breathtaking psychological thriller. Would you try to save them?

‘First rule of rescue: don’t create another casualty.’
Grace Disher is about to face every teacher’s worst nightmare.
Three of her students are going to die.

On a high school camping trip, three boys slip away for an ocean swim. By the time Grace catches up, the perilous surf conditions are overwhelming the teenagers. If she goes in, she will die trying to save them.

Should she have given her life?

The question haunts Grace as investigations begin and her decision not to attempt a rescue comes under scrutiny. Hounded by conflicted staff, grieving parents and relentless media – all dissecting her actions, all looking for someone to blame – Grace’s safety is compromised and she must be careful who she trusts.

And she’s not the only one with a secret.

Three Boys Gone is a heart-in-mouth psychological thriller by award-winning author Mark Smith – a twisty, unflinching and pacey page-turner about an impossible choice and how tragedy tests and defines us.

Praise for Three Boys Gone

  • ‘Complex and compelling in all the right ways.’ Jane Harper
  • ‘An utterly gripping portrayal of guilt and blame in the modern age. I couldn’t put it down.’ Mark Brandi
  • ‘A consuming, taut mystery’ J.P. Pomare
  • ‘The thrilling twists kept me guessing right to the last page’ Michael Brissenden
  • ‘Very authentic and also very Aussie without being cliched in any way’ Sarah Bailey
  • ‘Could not put it down’ Kate Mildenhall
  • ‘Utterly gripping, harrowing and unputdownable.’ Dinuka McKenzie
  • ‘Smith taps into a primal fear in all of us and doesn’t let go – Three Boys Gone drags you under like a rip and keeps you there, twisting through impossible choices until the very last page.’ R.W.R. McDonald
  • Three Boys Gone is a masterful novel of tension, menace and grief. It’s a rollercoaster’ Robert Gott
  • ‘Tense, stressful and absorbing … A book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go’ Karen Viggers
Three Boys Gone | Mark Smith

About the author

$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events.


Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – 2 tours: 7.30pm & 9.30pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
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2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing